Grand Challenge 2008 Winners

Sir Ian Andrews with Team Thales Grand Challenge construction Mr Paul Stein with Swarm Systems

RJ Mitchell Trophy

Presented by Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Beddington.

STELLAR

SATURN

Sensing and Autonomous Tactical Urban Reconnaissance Network

Saturn blended civil and defence technologies through systems integration to produce a fully autonomous multi-vehicle system.

With a high level and medium level UAV, a UGV, and a control station fusing data from visual, thermal and radar systems, Saturn outperformed its rivals.

All the Saturn's vehicles were guided autonomously by mission- planning software carried on the ground control station. Images were streamed, processed and run through an automatic threat detection system. The software continuously updated throughout the mission directing individual vehicles to potential threats.

Trophy for Most Innovative Idea

Presented by MOD Science and Technology Director, Mr Paul Stein.

Swarm Systems

Trophy for Best Use of National Talent

Presented by MOD Second Permanent Under Secretary, Sir Ian Andrews.

Thales Team

COMMENDATIONS

Additional commendations were given to teams that impressed the judges in other areas during the competition.

  • Best Use of Autonomy: Team MIRA
  • Judges merit award: Team Cortex
Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor John Beddington with Team Stellar

Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor John Beddington with Team Stellar